“What? So that I can put it all back on?”
“You won’t put it back on from one day, Carla. Listen to the voice of reason.”
She’s right. I know she’s right. It does not make standing here in this dress more fun.
Marla has been quietly conferring with her colleague on the other side of the room, showing no sign that she has noticed anything, which is professionalism of the highest order. She now moves in with another dress over her arm. This one is a different green. She holds it up as she nears us, and it has a completely different fabric and cut as well.
“Try this,” she tells me. “The champagne dress I already gave you is not for you either, but I think you’ll like this one. It’ll show off your narrow waist and your lovely arms.”
Lovely arms. She’s reaching.
“Okay.” I take it and go back behind the curtain.
I can’t wait to be rid of the silk and pull the other one on. There is a gather at the hip, and it emphasizes my waist, like she said. The sweetheart neckline works with me rather than against me. My breasts look freaking amazing. I guess the added weight does have its perks. The green is actually good against my skin. I look in the mirror, and I don’t want to close the curtain on this one.
I pull open the curtain and go out.
Robyn smiles. “Yes,” she says. “I really like it.” She nods.
Marla nods too. She has a satisfied expression. “It’s a much better style on you. And the color is lovely. It makes your eyes pop. I think it’ll work better than the champagne, which you are welcome to try. I have it in the same cut and fabric.”
I turn to look at myself in the big mirror on the podium.
“I like it.”
“I love it.” Robyn glances at her watch. “Oh, no.” She looks up. “Carla, I’m so sorry, I have to run. I’m meeting Ridge at the bakery. We’re choosing the cake this afternoon. It can’t wait.”
“Go.” I wave her off. “You’re all sorted. I think I’ll try the champagne option just to be sure.”
“Sounds good, but I think you might have your winner. You look wonderful,” she says, coming to squeeze my arm. “And don’t be so hard on yourself, okay? Keep doing what you’re doing, and you’ll be a few pounds lighter by the wedding. I think you’re looking great, my friend. I would tell you otherwise.”
I give her a look.
“I mean it.” She squeezes again. “I’ll call you tonight.” She gathers her bag and thanks Marla, and then she’s gone, leaving a faint waft of perfume.
Marla notes a few things about the fit and steps back. I step down.
Then she tells me she’ll bring me the same dress in champagne, and I nod.
I’m very nervous about this wedding. The more I think about seeing Magma again, the more nervous I feel. I hate the thought of him with another woman. It’s so silly. We spent a handful of days together and had some really great sex, and now it’s over, but I can’t seem to move on. He’s made it clear that it didn’t mean anything to him. He’s dating another woman and bringing her to the wedding.
My stomach physically clenches. I wish I didn’t have to go. I feel instantly irritated with myself for even thinking it because Robyn is my best friend and I’m the maid of honor, for goodness’ sake.
I need to get a damned grip. That and a date. I need a date.
38
Magma
I pull up outside of Flint’s apartment. He’s working on Mistveil, but he hasn’t given up the place until he knows what his future will hold. Whether he’ll be back or stay that side. Flint is already out front. He waves when he sees me. I pull up to the curb.
He looks good. I’ve only seen him once since he left for Mistveil, and it seems to be agreeing with him.
“Hey,” I say.
“Hi, Magma.” He grins. “Good to see you. It feels like it’s been longer than a couple of weeks.”
I pull back into traffic.
